Why we Value Music

For many of us, music is transcendent. It is the language we use when we cannot express what we are feeling. It is the emotion we embrace during the good time and the bad. But most importantly, it is the creative expression and necessary spark that ignites the ingenuity and originality that we so desperately need each and every day.

With music, we are able to fill our minds and fuel our creativity. From classical traditional styles such as Mozart or Beethoven to more contemporary ‘in the scene’ genres such as Maroon 5 or Usher, music continues to challenge the way we think by exploring our imaginations, desires, and wants within the world. Now, as much as the arts can be utilized for entertainment, music, especially playing music, will always be incredibly beneficial for an individual.

In today’s world, music, as well as the rest of the arts, are undoubtedly at risk. Much of our educational system looks to focus their attention on more concrete subjects such as reading, mathematics, and science. Now, I am by no means saying that we should not focus on those subjects. What I am alluding to is this; as imperative as it is to better prepare our students with the foundational skills of reading, writing, and mathematics, it is absolutely vital that we provide them access to the arts. The arts, in themselves, play an integral role in the overall development for their adult years. With various skills requiring communication, creative thinking, and passion, we as leaders and role models, have to see the benefits that singing and playing guitar have on our younger generation. We cannot continue to think of this as a simple hobby or resume filler. Instead, we need to view the arts as an entity for growth. It itself manifest the innovation and imagination that can lead to incredible discoveries, especially years down the line. To overlook its benefits is not just a disservice to these young scholars, but a sacrifice for something great.

But to truly put this into perspective, we have to understand its benefits within schools. In many of these music programs, especially the higher level ones, students are required to focus on various forms of problem solving-situations. Their mastery to read, learn, understand, and innovative will constantly define and redefine their growth as musicians. In addition, it will hone and perfect their higher order thinking skills, strategy, timing skills, and communication, something that is constantly valued at the workplace. On top of it all, many of these high-pressured situations require students to perform under pressure and communicate and collaborate within a framework of a team. If not, the entire show is compromised.

As a musician, I have seen the benefits that music can give to a child. Yes, I can discuss more about the academic achievement or standardize testing improvements, but I want to point out one of the best values of music is simply the love, joy, and passion that it brings to anyone listening or playing music. There is a reason why music has become so universal. It touches all walks of life and continues to impact the way we think and the way we live each and every day. For our future leaders of tomorrow, let’s give them that gift and express their silence in an even more impactful manner.